Resurfaced Artwork from 2003's Canceled Metallica Video Game

Some time back in 2003, the now-defunct Black Rock Studio was believed to have been working on a Metallica video game that, believe it or not, did not involve any silly plastic guitars. Known only as a "post-apocalyptic driving/adventure game" at the time, the vehicular combat game starring the members of Metallica was slated to be released for the Playstation 2.

Unfortunately, the title got canceled, and all information regarding the game faded to black. The only thing we knew about the game was from this crappy trailer (included with the band's St. Anger album) and the fact that the game would have featured Metallica's music. Not really a surprise there.

Luckily for us, the memory of the game still remains. Artist Calum Alexander Watt, who was commissioned to create artwork for the game at the time, recently revealed to the public (via his blog) concept art he created for the game. After the jump, take a look at this British artist's interpretation of James Hatfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo in a post-apocalyptic world that is reminiscent of Mad Max and the anime Akira.

Since the unnamed Metallica game was never formally announced by Black Rock Studio, we probably never would have heard from this game again, had it not for Watt's reveal at his blog.

According to him:

"For a while it was illegal to post these anywhere,it may still be, who knows!Anyway, designs for a PS2 postapocalyptic driving/adventure game(set to the sounds, and including the members, of apopular anti-Napster mega band)Dating from 2003 to 2004."

Since we'll never get a chance to get our hands on this game, we can at least enjoy his awesome artwork. Check out his website for more beautiful similarly-themed artwork.